Coronavirus: Priti Patel Is Asked For Clarity On Military Support For Police

The Shadow Home Secretary has written to Priti Patel for clarification over the military's possible role in supporting police during the coronavirus pandemic.

The letter from Nick Thomas-Symonds follows Boris Johnson's confirmation to Parliament to that there is "the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police."

Police chiefs, however, said military involvement was not anticipated to be needed, warning officers would be stepping up patrols in "high-risk areas".

In his letter to the Home Secretary, Mr Thomas-Symonds has asked for details on:

• What duties Armed Forces personnel could help the police fulfil;
• Whether discussions have been held about the military fulfilling public-facing roles;
• For information on the length of time support would initially be available for;
• The cost to the military for providing support;
• And whether additional training might be required if support were to become a long-term role.

He also asks what discussions have been held with police representatives about the potential use of the Armed Forces in a support capacity.

The Labour MP added there are concerns that there has been insufficient consultation with senior police figures on the matter.

National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Martin Hewitt stated: "Any military support must be assessed very carefully."

"At the moment, no military involvement is necessary, nor do we anticipate this will be needed."

On Monday, the Defence Secretary said Armed Forces personnel have been offered to the government "on a regular basis", adding: "We have already started planning for any second eventuality.

"I'm confident that the men and women will be able to deliver whatever demands are put on government," Ben Wallace continued.

The Ministry of Defence then released a statement, saying: "The military have well-rehearsed contingency plans in place to support police services, with 500 military personnel now available to backfill armed guarding duties if required by the Home Office.

"The military will not be undertaking any public order or enforcement activities."

UK Armed Forces personnel have played a key role in the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

At the peak of the military's response to COVID-19, 20,000 troops were at readiness, with more than 4,000 of them deployed at any one time.

Their role included assisting the NHS by helping set up Nightingale hospitals, operating mobile testing sites and delivering personal protective equipment (PPE).